OUR SINGAPORE CONVERSATION SURVEY

Transcription

1 OUR SINGAPORE CONVERSATION SURVEY FINAL REPORT Introduction 1 This survey was conducted as part of the Our Singapore Conversation (OSC) process and was completed by 4,000 Singaporeans. It was designed to ascertain the Singapore that Singaporeans hope to see in 2030 and their key priorities for today. The survey also asked Singaporeans about the values they feel are important for achieving the 2030 vision as well as the preferences they lean towards on key issues. 2 The survey was conducted via face-to-face interview. The sample is demographically representative of the national population in terms of age, gender and ethnicity. The data were collected from 1 December 2012 to 31 January Section 1: Hopes and Priorities 3 The survey found that Singaporeans were generally optimistic that the next five years would be better than today, and that today was better than five years ago (see Figure 1). The majority were satisfied with life and hopeful about the future. But the data suggest that some respondents expect challenges ahead. Figure 1: Life satisfaction of Singaporeans past, present, and future 1

2 4 Respondents were invited to think about the kind of Singapore they want to see in 20 years time as well as their priorities for today. Job security, healthcare, and housing emerged as the priorities most frequently ranked in the Top 3 (see Figure 2 below). This was followed by safety and security as well as having a caring government. Qualitative responses: The current environment is relatively safe but I do not take it for granted. Government has to continue to maintain this safety [sic] environment for the people. Jobs are hard to find and it is a competitive society. Should make it easier for elderly [sic] to withdraw from CPF to pay for medical expenses. Figure 2: Top Priorities of Singaporeans for today 5 Delving deeper, the data showed that respondents priorities varied by income (see Table 1). While healthcare, housing and jobs were generally a consistent theme across almost all income groups, public housing did not emerge as a top priority for those earning above $7, Public transport emerged as a key priority for those earning less than $3,000; while a holistic education was a greater priority for those earning above $7, Singaporeans valued good governance. Those earning less than $7,000 placed greater emphasis on having a caring government while those earning more than $7,000 gave greater priority to having an honest government. Qualitative responses: Need better training to upgrade so we can match up with the higher paying jobs. Public housing - too expensive now - takes a lifetime to repay the loan. No cash flow. The government should have more engagements with us to show that they care for the citizens so we can know what s going on in our country and future. Government needs to explain and discuss more with people before any policies go to parliament to be passed. 2

3 Table 1: Breakdown of priorities by Income 8 When asked more specifically about different facets of governance, a sizeable majority indicated that the Government was forward-looking and managing the country well (See Figure 3). There were relatively lower levels of agreement on whether the Government understands the concerns of the people or did a good job explaining policies. Figure 3: Singaporeans' views on governance Section 2: Values Important to Singaporeans 9 The next section of the survey examined the kinds of values and attributes Singaporeans felt were important. The relative importance of each value was plotted on a heat map with the warmer colours indicating that a particular value was more important, 3

4 and cooler colours indicating that the value was relatively less important, i.e., dark red connote more important values; while dark blue connote less important values. Figure 4: Value preferences across age groups 10 In general, values relating to a sense of community, nationhood and security resonated most strongly with Singaporeans (see Figure 4). Across age groups, filial piety and safety and security for their families were regarded the most important. Singaporeans generally placed less emphasis on accumulating wealth. Singaporean youth seem to place greater emphasis on perseverance and self-reliance compared to older Singaporeans. The young also had a greater appetite for risk-taking, enjoying life to the fullest, and being more entrepreneurial. Figure 5: Value preferences across education levels 4

5 11 An examination of the findings by education level showed consensus in the value Singaporeans place on community and security. As Figure 5 demonstrates, across all education groups, values such as filial piety, honesty, politeness, safety and security of my family, and law and order were considered very important. Section 3: Singaporeans Preferences on Key Issues 12 The survey also sought to provide insight into the preferences of Singaporeans on various issues and policies. Respondents were asked to indicate where they would lean towards when given two preferences representing different ends of a spectrum. Competing Land-Use Challenges 13 Respondents were generally in consensus that eldercare facilities should be located in their neighbourhoods to provide greater convenience to the elderly and their caregivers (see Figure 6). Support was generally strong regardless of the dwelling type in which respondents lived. Figure 6: Preference for eldercare facilities further from neighbourhood vs in neighbourhood Figure 7: Preference for infrastructural development vs. preservation of green spaces 5

6 14 Findings also show that green spaces are important to all Singaporeans. As Figure 7 indicates, support for preserving green spaces exceeded 50% across all income bands. 15 Similarly, Singaporeans looked for heritage spaces to be preserved as far as possible. However, there was wider support for the preservation of green spaces over infrastructural development, compared to heritage spaces over infrastructural development (see Figure 8). Figure 8: Comparing the preference heritage spaces with green spaces Opportunities and Pace of Life 16 Overall, the data suggest that Singaporeans were looking for the right balance that would allow them to have more time for their families, as well as stay competitive. 17 When presented with a choice between career advancement and a more comfortable pace of life, Singaporeans generally saw pace of life as a more important preference relative to career pursuits. Singaporeans between the ages of 35-69, and those who are married with children, were most likely to choose this preference (see Figure 9). This result is consistent with findings in the Values section which showed that both filial piety and ensuring safety and security for my family are values Singaporeans deem to be very important. 6

7 Figure 9: Preference for career advancement vs a more comfortable pace of life 18 More Singaporeans preferred reducing the inflow of foreigners even if it translated to slower growth and jobs. Figure 10 suggests that lower income groups are more inclined towards reducing the inflow of foreigners, which may be a reflection of the competition for jobs at that level. Figure 10: Preference for supporting foreign inflow vs reducing foreign inflow 19 In the area of education, the findings show that Singaporeans generally preferred a more holistic and less competitive education system. Given a choice between a system that is globally competitive and academically rigorous and one that is less competitive and more holistic, more than 50% of respondents indicated that they would prefer the latter. 7

8 Relatively more respondents from the lower and middle income groups preferred a more holistic and less competitive education system (see Figure 11). Figure 11: Preference for globally competitive education system vs a more holistic education system 20 Singaporeans also appeared to prefer a more inclusive education system. Between students learning together with others of similar abilities and backgrounds versus students learning with others of different abilities and backgrounds, Singaporeans were generally more inclined towards the latter. Respondents with a higher education level tended to prefer a more inclusive education system (see Figure 12). Figure 12: Preference for students learning with others of similar abilities vs learning with others of different abilities 8

9 Social Values 21 On the issue of freedom of expression and censorship, results indicate that Singaporeans had differing views on the right balance between complete freedom of expression on the one hand and preventing social tensions on the other. As Figure 13 shows, there was no clear consensus one way or another across all age groups. However, older Singaporeans seemed to place more value in censorship as a means of protecting public interest. Figure 13: Comparing preferences for limits to individual freedom of expression and censorship 22 The survey also found that society in general did not accept gay lifestyles. Views differed across age groups and education levels - with the younger and more educated segments of the population being relatively more accepting of gay lifestyles. Figure 14: Preference between rejecting vs accepting gay lifestyles 9

10 23 In general, society was even less supportive of same-sex marriage. The majority of respondents across almost all educational profiles rejected same-sex marriage. Figure 15: Preference between rejecting vs accepting same-sex marriage Governance and Social Support 24 Respondents had diverse views on the right balance between Government taking responsibility to provide for the people, and people taking more responsibility to provide for themselves. The majority of respondents above the age of 50 and those who earned less than $1,000 tended to favour that Government take more responsibility to provide for the people. Figure 16: Preference between greater govt responsibility vs people taking more responsibility for providing for themselves 10

11 25 On the issue of taxation, more Singaporeans preferred to keep taxes low. However, more affluent Singaporeans, i.e. those living in private property or earning above $7,000 a month, seemed more willing to pay higher taxes to support the needy (see Figure 17). Support dipped slightly for those earning $10,000 or more a month. Figure 17: Preference between keeping taxes low vs higher taxes to support the needy 11

Fannie Mae National Housing Survey What Younger Renters Want and the Financial Constraints They See Copyright 2014 by Fannie Mae May 2014 Table of Contents Research Methodology... 4 Executive Summary.....

Ready. Set. Retire. Exploring the path to and through retirement. A Retirement Experience study from the Voya Retirement Research Institute. Ready. Set. Retire. This study is a fresh look at the experience

The LearnVest Personal Finance Review Financial Goals of 2015 The LearnVest Personal Finance Review examines and explores how people nationwide approach their money. 1 LearnVest is a program for your money.

Unlocking Life s Possibilities Introducing a new perspective on life From home to work to retirement, the path of life is full of changing needs, dreams, happy moments, surprises and sometimes, unpredictable

An Educational Guide State of the American Family: Families, Financial Attitudes, and Planning American families have always weathered economic shifts, but the downturn of 2008 has affected families finances,

APPENDIX D Online Survey Summary of Results Online survey method The online survey was a 13-question tool posted on survey monkey to assess community strengths, needs and opportunities from the perspective

EcoPinion Consumer Survey No. 19 The Conflicted Consumer Landscape in the Utility Sector May 2014 Overview 2 Utilities are increasingly seeing customers as core to their business model on a going forward

August 2014 Introduction The Financial Planning Association s Diversity Committee developed the Diversity Resource Guide for two purposes: 1) To provide members of the Financial Planning Association (FPA)

Chapter 3 Housing for Seniors: Elder-Friendly Housing Vision Singapore will be an elder-friendly place, one that allows and encourages older persons to live as part of the family and community. There will

Press Contact: Corporate Communications Harris Interactive 212-539-9600 press@harrisinteractive.com Americans Not Taking Advantage of New Smart Phone Capabilities Younger adults and men are most with new

Results from three national surveys conducted for the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association. 600 seniors with reverse mortgages. 600 seniors without reverse mortgages who own their homes. 600 adults

Build your Wealth VivoCash Financial returns till age 100. Living the moment, protecting the future. A dream home. A comfortable lifestyle. And the freedom to travel wherever you want. In recent years,

Customer Service Best Practices Survey Results Executive Summary During difficult economic times, most organizations shift their focus from acquiring new customers to retaining and growing existing customer

Opening a door: Peering inside retirement For Americans of all ages, retirement is a primary long-term savings goal. And measuring up to our peers can be a powerful motivator to save and hopefully to retire

WEB.COM CONSUMER & SMALL BUSINESS PERCEPTION SURVEY SEPTEMBER 10, 2013 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Web.com commissioned a dual-facing national survey of consumers and small business decisionmakers (SBDMs) to generate

Financial Knowledge and Capability in Hong Kong: A Foundation Study June 2013 A research report commissioned by the Securities and Futures Commission and conducted by the Nielsen Company for the foundation

MCYS Survey on the Learning Needs of Seniors in Singapore Tan Ern Ser A report describing and explaining the pattern of learning needs, orientations, and actions of Singapore residents (citizens and permanent

About the survey In October 2010, Forbes Insights conducted a survey of small and mediumsized enterprises (businesses with 250 or fewer employees) in Canada and five other countries (China, Italy, Singapore,

Consulting Retirement Consulting Talent & Rewards The Real Deal 2012 Retirement Income Adequacy at Large Companies RETIREMENT YOU ARE HERE About This Report This study assesses whether employees of large

Planning a prosperous retirement Towry s Guide to Retirement Planning About Towry We are one of the UK s leading Wealth Advisers and specialise in providing high quality, expert financial advice to private

,000 % 5 TH ASIAN & JAPAN HIGH LEVEL OFFICIALS MEETING ON CARING SOCIETIES (Summary of Country Presentation) 1 Introduction 1.1 Singapore is a city state with a population of 4.5 million people, of which

The Decision to Retire and Post-Retirement Financial Strategies: A Report on Eight Focus Groups Executive Summary This summary was prepared by the Project Oversight Group The report was sponsored by the

Customer experience roulette: are banks making the right investments? A survey of banking consumers and executives. 1 Executive summary Nuance commissioned a survey of 1,000 American consumers to learn

Investment Planning INVESTING IN YOURSELF Women are different from men. So are your financial planning needs. 2 INVESTING IN YOURSELF WOMEN & MONEY There are many reasons why you might require a different

Simplifying Life Insurance Think Differently About Life A sound financial plan is essential to ensure a smooth path through all stages of life and help you reach future goals. A plan centered on life insurance

Small Business Survey Scotland 2012 March 2013 Office of the Chief Economic Adviser Small Business Survey Scotland 2012 Office of the Chief Economic Adviser http://www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/economy/ Small

Discover What s Possible Guaranteed Choice SM Whole Life Guaranteed Choice SM Whole Life for Individuals and Families There is comfort in predictability There s a certain comfort that comes with knowing

1 Blood, Sweat and Tears: Insights into the Lived Experiences of Graduates of an Accelerated Undergraduate Degree-Completion Program Bonnie Flynn, Ed.D., MPH National-Louis University Abstract: This is

Generation Y Changing with the times Generation Y refers to any individual born between 1980 and 2000 and, like most other generations, they have been shaped by the leaders, developments, trends and events

AGEING FAMILIES IN SINGAPORE Insight Series Paper 02/2015 INSIGHT SERIES Ministry of Social and Family Development, Republic of Singapore Reproductions of extracts for this publication are allowed, together

The Balanced Scorecard Beyond Reports and Rankings More commonly used in the commercial sector, this approach to strategic assessment can be adapted to higher education. by Alice C. Stewart and Julie Carpenter-Hubin

Retirement Income Planning and the Elder Market Advisor Strategies to Understand and Work With Senior Clients October 2011 About the Insured Retirement Institute: The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI)

BUILDING LOYALTY AT HOTELS THROUGH DIGITAL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE MAGNANI CARUSO DUTTON IT S A BRAND NEW STAY It s amazing how, in a few short years, smartphones have changed the way businesses interact with

Tax Policy and Middle-Income Boomers The Importance of Tax Deferral in Attaining Retirement Security March 2012 About the Insured Retirement Institute: The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) is a not-for-profit

CPF LIFE information booklet 1. Introduction to CPF LIFE 4 1.1 What is CPF LIFE? 1.2 Will I be placed on CPF LIFE? 1.3 What are the CPF LIFE plans available? 2. Starting on CPF LIFE 7 2.1 When do I have

2014 SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS STUDY THEHARTFORD.COM/SUCCESSSTUDY Now in its fourth year, The Hartford s annual Small Business Success Study is part of the company s ongoing effort to better understand small

2/3 Proportion of Millennials who believe they will achieve a greater standard of living than their parents 81% Percentage of Millennials who believe they need to pay off their debts before they can begin

LPL Insurance associates Is it Time to Convert Your Insurance Policy? Term vs. Permanent As your personal and financial situations evolve, it is important that you are prepared to meet your changing needs

STUDENT LOAN DEBT: WHO S PAYING THE PRICE? NEW DATA SHOWS COLLEGE DEBT IS COSTING PEOPLE IN CAREER, LIFESTYLE, AND LOVE What s the cost of college debt? New data shows the real toll goes well beyond dollars

Colorado Community College System SPRING 2010 STUDENT SURVEY SUMMARY APRIL 2010 1 Colorado Community College System Spring 2010 Student Survey Summary In spring 2010, currently enrolled Colorado Community

Boomer Expectations for Retirement 214: Fourth Annual Report on the Retirement Preparedness of the Boomer Generation April 214 About the Insured Retirement Institute: The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI)

2016 WEALTH AND WORTH VIDEO TRANSCRIPT 2016 U.S. TRUST INSIGHTS ON WEALTH AND WORTH [Chapter 1: Intro] PLEASE SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION AT THE END OF THIS PROGRAM [Voiceover] What does wealth look like

2014 MILLENNIALS RESEARCH STUDY In response to interest about the financial needs and challenges of younger employees, Voya Financial conducted an online survey among roughly 2000 young adults aged 20-34

A description of the profile of the members of the PPG Sleaford Medical Group Local Patient Participation Report 2012/13 There are currently 33 patient members of the Sleaford Medical Group (SMG) Patient

Retirement Extra using Life Insurance Producer Guide Retirement Extra using Life Insurance is, first and foremost, a concept, it is not a product or contract. If this concept material will be used to promote

All people in the will have equal access to quality learning opportunities across the full spectrum of human endeavour from birth. Final Draft December 2007 Kia Orana As Minister of Education, it gives

A Study of Career Patterns of the Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities Harold V. Hartley III Eric E. Godin A Study of Career Patterns of the Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities

College for Financial Planning 2011 Survey of Trends in the Financial Planning Industry A focus on financial planners, CFP education, and findings from the College s professional designation programs This

Closed-End Funds Closed-End Funds and the Financial Advisor A NATIONAL RESEARCH STUDY How financial advisors use closed-end funds with their clients What sets these advisors and their practices apart Primary

Life s better when you have a plan FINANCIAL PLANNING. WEALTH ADVICE. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT. Let s make plans together When making decisions about your financial future, we believe these should be made

Life Plan Community THE RECOMMENDED NEW CATEGORY NAME FOR CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY About This Whitepaper On November 1, 2015, at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting in Boston, the task force that

Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE) This form is used for patients/clients to undergo household means-testing 1 for the purpose of application for IDAPE (see description below).

Management Assistance Program BRIDGING THE GENERATION GAP AT WORK GOALS: To help organizations, managers, supervisors, and employees understand and bridge generation gaps and create an atmosphere of acceptance

The Allianz American Legacies Pulse Survey Exploring the impact of the financial crisis on legacy strategies Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America Allianz Life Insurance Company of New York ENT-1371-N